Meet Our Team!
Kelly Wang:
Founder and President of the Board
Kelly started out as a curious child with passions for both mathematics and the arts. Although she turned down an offer from a performing arts school to pursue mathematics in college and beyond, her passion for the arts never left. After she received degrees in Mathematics and Computational Finance and started a career in finance in New York City, her creative side began looking for an outlet. After two years of extensively researching non-profits for children with disabilities and arts programs, she founded Willow Arts in 2023 to help fill the void at their intersection. She now works closely with the leadership team on strategic program development and oversees the organization's finances. Outside of Willow Arts, Kelly is a Managing Director at Bank of America and serves as Finance Chair for their Disability Action Network NY Chapter.
Ed Bonahue:
Executive Director (Founding)
Ed Bonahue is an educator, nonprofit administrator, and advocate based in Brooklyn, New York. At Willow Arts, he works closely with the leadership team and program staff to oversee and direct our programming and operations, curriculum development, community partnerships, and student experience. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Political Science from Florida State University, and an MPA in Urban and Social Policy and Management from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. A fervent advocate for educational equity, Ed spends his free time reading, playing music, hiking, and spending time with his pets and loved ones.
Takaaki Hara:
Graphic Design and Illustration Intern
Takaaki Hara is a Graphic Design and Illustration Intern at Willow Arts. He is from New York City and is pursuing a Bachelor in Fine Arts and a Minor in Animation at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has previous experience as a volunteer at similar organizations where imagination and care are fostered, such as GiGi’s Summer Playhouse. He aims to bring his artistic skills and creativity towards projects at Willow Arts that may broaden their possibilities.
Gian Lee:
Social Media and Community Engagement Intern
Gian Lee is the Social Media and Community Engagement Intern at Willow Arts. She is from Bergen County NJ and attends the School of Art at Carnegie Mellon University. Gian oversees our online presence across many platforms and actively collaborates with community partners. She has gained valuable experience in social media engagement through her previous jobs and volunteer work. Beyond her professional interests, she finds joy in working on personal projects, meeting other art lovers, and volunteering for the community.
Nia Blue
Teaching Artist
Nia Blue(she/her) is a mixed media artist working in NYC. She works primarily in acrylic and oil, cold wax, analog photography, and 2D drawing as her primary mediums. Her works are more than mere visual entities; they are storied landscapes. Part autobiography, part collective memory. She is currently pursuing educational opportunities for K-12 and adults in Visual and Integrative Art. More information is available at niablueart.com.
Merlin Garcia
Teaching Artist
Merlin is a filmmaker passionate about nonfiction, collage, and archival work, using visual language to express emotions that words can’t capture. Merlin is inspired by the tactile nature of "DIY" aesthetics and the way physical materials—especially those that evoke time—can transform discarded objects into meaningful art. Their teaching is based in a symbiotic practice where the students and educator are growing in every class."
Marie-Chloe Duval:
Consulting Visual Artist
Marie-Chloe Duval is a former criminology master's academic researcher who transitioned into a full-time visual artist. With a background in teaching and a deep involvement in the art world through writing and curating, she has traveled widely, participated in residencies, and exhibited her work globally. Marie-Chloe's art passionately explores human and societal themes, aiming to connect and provoke thought through visual expression.
Meet Our Board!
Karen Lewis:
Vice President of the Board
Karen has been a champion for children with disabilities at Achilles for nearly three decades. Since 1995, she has led the Achilles Kids program, creating innovative marathon challenges and in-person/virtual events that inspire kids to move. In 2022, Karen was named Vice President of School Programs, expanding the reach of Achilles' life-changing programs. Now, she brings her experience, passion, and enthusiasm to advocate for the artistic expression of children with disabilities at Willow Arts.
Kumiko Ashino:
Secretary of the Board
Kumiko Ashino received her Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University and has worked as a licensed architect in New York, primarily on residential projects. She teaches architecture as an enrichment program teacher to elementary and middle school students at public and private schools.